Januari 08, 2011

AZURITE [ Carbonates ]

Azurite is a very popular mineral because of its unparalleled colour, a deep blue called "azure", hence its name. Azure is derived from the arabic word for blue. The colour is due to the presence of copper (a strong colouring agent), and the way the copper chemically combines with the carbonate groups (CO3) and hydroxyls (OH). Azurite has been used as a dye for paints and fabrics for eons. Unfortunately, at times its colour is too deep and larger crystals can appear black. Small crystals and crusts show the lighter azure colour well. Azurite is often associated with its colourful close cousin, malachite.

Azurite is used in jewellery and for dyes as mentioned above. It is also an unimportant ore of copper, although its significance has been more impressive in the past. It is still considered a minor ore of copper; mostly because it is found associated with other more valuable copper ores. Fine crystal clusters, nodular specimens, and interesting and beautiful combinations with malachite are important pieces in anyone’s mineral collection. The magnificent colour of azurite is worth mentioning again as it truly is a one-of-a-kind in the mineral world. Azurite is one of those classic minerals

Physical Characteristics

Colour: azure, deep blue or pale blue if found in small crystals or crusts

Luster: vitreous to dull depending on habit

Transparency: Transparent if in thin crystals, otherwise translucent to opaque